"You're Late."

Prologue: The 37th visit

Appointment 37: The Unexpected Encounter

The sound of the hospital was a symphony of life and uncertainty, simultaneously calming and exhausting. Each member of the staff put on their professional work voices, a reassuring facade for the awaiting customers. But as I sat there, among the hustle and bustle of the hospital, I was waiting for something entirely different - the calling of my own name.

My job, on the surface, seemed simple, yet it held within it a complexity that few could truly grasp. I had spent years studying diligently at Seoul University, where I had delved into the intricacies of the medical field. I had become proficient in multiple disciplines, holding qualifications as a dentist, a psychiatrist, and even a heart surgeon. In essence, I was highly educated, and I often found myself silently acknowledging that work wasn't a hostile environment for someone of my intellect.

You might assume that with my qualifications, I would be constantly busy, diligently helping a multitude of people day in and day out. But the reality was quite the opposite. Most days, I found myself hoping for a miracle, though in the context of my patients, that very miracle would signify a catastrophic event. So, in hindsight, I suppose my job was far more complex than it appeared on the surface.

As I pondered these thoughts, I couldn't help but wonder about the enigma of my profession. What to do? It was a question that seemed to echo through the corridors of my mind, much like the hospital's ever-present, soothing yet wearying ambiance.

💉❤️🩺

The drive to my destination was oddly calming, a respite from the usual chaos of life. I drummed my fingers rhythmically against the steering wheel, the tension in my neck prompting a satisfying crack as I adjusted my posture. Emotionally, I wasn't particularly stressed or preoccupied this week, but I could definitely use something to take the edge off.

Pulling up to the discrete location, I stepped out of the car and made my way inside. The exterior gave away no hint of what lay within. It was one of those places that defied expectations. The interior, however, was a different story.

I didn't bother letting the assistant take my coat; she knew me well enough. She liked it when I was wearing my scrubs, and I knew it, too. I offered a polite smile to the clerk, a woman with a graceful Korean name that escaped my memory at that moment. She returned the gesture, her eyes hinting at the unspoken familiarity between us.

"The usual for today?" she inquired with that same polite smile. I responded with a simple nod, and she handed me a key. As I took it, I couldn't help but notice the subtle signs of luxury that surrounded us – marble floors and hidden LED lights that cast an aura of calm, despite the true nature of this establishment. I was here for something entirely different from relaxation.

Following the well-lit path, I turned left and walked along a long hallway. The walls were adorned with tasteful artwork, each piece seemingly chosen to enhance the atmosphere of this place. The ambiance was curated, intended to draw you in and keep your curiosity piqued.

After what felt like an eternity, I reached room 435. With a slight anticipation, I slid the key into the lock and turned it. What lay behind that door, however, completely took me aback.

As I pushed open the door to room 435, what I saw on the other side took my breath away. She was stunning, don't get me wrong, but she wasn't Jiyeon, the person I had expected to find here. She sat comfortably cross-legged on the edge of the bed, a room unlike any other I had encountered in this place.

The room was tastefully decorated, exuding an air of opulence. Soft, dimmed lighting cast a warm glow over the plush furnishings. Rich fabrics adorned the space, from velvet drapes to intricately embroidered throw pillows. The walls were adorned with delicate artwork, and a faint fragrance lingered in the air, something soothing and exotic.

Her gaze met mine as I stood in the doorway, my brows furrowing in confusion. I must have looked comical to her because she let out a quiet scoff, her lips curling upward with an amused glint.

I finally found my voice and opened my mouth to speak, a hint of uncertainty in my words. "Are you in the correct place?" I asked, my words carrying a subtle stutter that puzzled me. 'Why am I stuttering?' I thought.

She uncrossed her legs and stood gracefully on her bare feet, clad in a robe that added an air of mystique to her presence. "You're Kim Minji, correct?" she inquired, her voice calm and low, almost velvety. I nodded, still puzzled by the unexpected turn of events.

She smirked, a playful glint in her eyes. "Wow, the Kim Minji. You couldn't even bother to make up a fake name?" She asked, seeming genuinely amused. My brows furrowed once more as I tried to process this enigmatic encounter.

She looked at me again, her expression now more serious, her eyes carrying a hint of intimidation. "You're very well known, are you aware of that?," she began, then paused to let out a beautiful laugh. "If anybody finds out you come here," she continued, her voice dripping with a mix of allure and caution, "what would the press say?" She asked me honestly. I shrugged, still grappling with the surreal situation unfolding before me.

She walked toward me with a measured grace that sent shivers down my spine. I stood there, frozen, the tension in the room palpable, like a storm gathering on the horizon. Though she was shorter than me by a few inches, she exuded an aura of power that made me feel small in her presence. Our eyes locked, and for a moment, we were equals.

Then, with a swift, sharp movement, she reached behind me and slammed the door shut. I flinched at the unexpected sound, caught off guard by her actions. She smiled, her voice as smooth as silk, "I am in the correct place, Kim Minji."

I pursed my lips, my mind racing to make sense of the situation. Her pout was disarming, and I blinked in realization, a sense of realisation washing over me. 'This isn't my room,' I thought with enlightenment.

Before I could properly apologize and retreat, I muttered, "Oh, I'm so sorry. Was I assigned here by mistake? I don't mean to disturb you," my voice low and contrite. In truth, I knew this room all too well – the one I visited three nights a week, the one I paid for, the one I had access to. But something about her presence left no room for argument, and for some inexplicable reason, I didn't even want to protest. I was willing to forego a session if that's what she wanted.

Her face remained unreadable as she squinted at me, and then, in a swift and bewildering turn of events, I found myself on my the ground. She had kicked the back of my leg as I tried to turn around. I caught myself with my hands before straightening up, utterly confused and disoriented. What was happening?

She walked over to stand behind me, shutting the door once more. "That's better," she cooed, her voice dripping with an authority I couldn't resist. "You're where you belong."

I furrowed my brows, trying to make sense of her cryptic words, but before I could process it fully, she delivered the final blow. "On your knees," she mused. My eyes widened in shock, and a whirlwind of emotions surged within me.

Note 💌: a little something new 😉